Euronit brochure part 2 Equitone

Design Basics

Product description

Material: fibre cement.

Fiber cement is a modern reinforced material made of natural raw materials that are environmentally friendly. All the positive properties of the product make it meet the high requirements of our times in terms of both construction and design. The technology is used based on over 25 years of research, observations and experiments carried out in laboratories, using accelerated laboratory tests, and on the basis of many years of practical technological experience on specific objects. Since 1980, many millions of square meters of fiber cement products have been laid on roofs and facades. These products are able to withstand even the most extreme climatic loads. Large-format fiber cement panels for ventilated facades have proven themselves perfectly in practice. They are made of non-flammable, highly compressed material, consisting of a cement binder reinforced with fiber, which in the hardened state is resistant to deformation and adverse weather conditions. The proportionally largest raw material share belongs to the binder, which is Portland cement, which is produced by burning limestone and clay marl. To optimize the product properties, additives are added, such as limestone flour and ground fiber cement (recycling). Synthetic, organic fibers made of polyvinyl alcohol are used as reinforcing fibers. These are fibers that are used in a similar form in the textile industry for the production of outerwear and protective fabrics, for nonwovens and surgical threads. Their physiological safety is of great importance. During the production of fiber cement, the fibers used serve as filter fibers. These are mainly cellulose fibers, which are also used in the paper industry. They also contain air, enclosed in microscopically small pores. As a result of using a system with a microporous structure, a frost-resistant, moisture-regulating, actively breathing, but still waterproof building material is created. Fibre cement products behave absolutely neutrally towards electromagnetic waves and radiation, so that the operation of radio waves, infrared devices, search and rescue devices and radar beams is not disturbed. The factory-applied surface coating, with a layer applied several times while hot, guarantees a consistently high level of quality of the facade panels. This coating is resistant to light and ultraviolet rays. The back of the panel is mechanically coated with a varnish of equivalent quality. All facade panels from Eternit AG have been assessed as environmentally and health-friendly construction products and have the appropriate certificates.

Material properties

Textura (Structura) and Natura Painted facade panels made of compressed, hardened fibre cement have an ideal static profile and are:

• non-flammable
• material class A2-s1,d0 (EN 13501 – 1)
• frost-resistant and resistant to harmful atmospheric factors
• waterproof
• rot resistant
• impact resistant
• resistant to ultraviolet rays

Scope of application

Large-format fibre cement boards are mainly used for:

• external wall cladding as ventilated facades according to DIN 18516-1
• filling the wall frame in the case of post and beam structures
• overlapping
• external covering of finished layered elements (sandwiches)
• cornice covers
• window frame cladding
• covering window and door lintels
• interior wall cladding
• crowning of gable and eaves boards covering the roof coverings
• roof linings
• balcony cladding

Technical data:

Density of porous bodies 1.65 g / cm3Bending strength 17 N / mm2Refraction values ​​24 N / mm2Compressive strength 50 N / mm2Refraction values ​​-Modulus of elasticity approx. 15,000 N / mm2Thermal expansion coefficient αt = 0.01 mm / mKExtension at humidity 1.0 mm / m (dry air – humidity)Diffusion resistance coefficient μ = 350, at 0 – 50 % relative air humidityTextura (Structura) 8 mm μ = 140, at 50 – 100 % relative air humidityDiffusion resistance coefficient μ = 320, at 0 – 50 % relative air humidityNatura 8 mm μ = 140, at 50 – 100 % relative air humidityFrost resistance according to DIN 52104Constant temperature resistance without change up to 80°CBuilding material class non-flammable, A2, according to DIN 4102-1 (EN 13501-1)Humidity when put into service ~ 6%Water absorption capacity ≤ 20%Thermal conductivity coefficient λ = approx. 0.6 W / mKChemical durability similar to concrete C 35/45 (formerly B 45)Ageing resistance similar to concrete C 35/45 (formerly B 45)

Design values ​​for fibre cement boards

Permissible tension of Eternit fastening elements.

Only screws that have permits may be used.

Technical data / Calculated values

Factory edges – permissible dimensional deviations

Factory edgesThe boards are generally delivered as shown above, with factory edges. Boards with factory edges must have their edges trimmed by approximately 15 mm on all sides before use. In the case of Natura boards, the trimmed edges must be impregnated with Lukow impregnant at a temperature of 5° to 25°C. Factory-trimmed Natura boards are impregnated with Luko edge impregnant.

Plate thickness: 8 mm (± 0.6 mm) or 12 mm (± 0.9 mm).

The applicable German regulations, in their current edition

DIN 18516-1 External wall claddings, ventilated; requirements, basis of testing.DIN 1052-1-4 Timber structures.DIN 1055-4 Assumed loads for structures – Part 4: Wind loads.DIN 1745-1 Aluminium and its alloys – sheet, plates and strip – Part 2: Mechanical properties; comparison of the degree of values ​​of determinants.DIN 4074-1 Sorting of timber according to load-bearing capacity – Part 1: Sawn timber of coniferous trees.DIN 4102-1 Fire behaviour of building materials and building components.DIN EN 13501-1 Fire classification of construction materials and building components.DIN EN 12467 Fibre cement flat sheets – product characteristics and test methods.DIN 4108-3 Thermal insulation in multi-storey buildings – Part 3: Climatologically determined requirements for protection against moisture and guidelines for design and execution.DIN 4109 Sound insulation in multi-storey buildings; requirements and tests.DIN 4113-1 Aluminium; structures subjected mainly to static loading.DIN EN 13162 Insulating materials for use in buildings.DIN 18202 Tolerances in multi-storey buildings; buildings.DIN 52210 Testing of building acoustics: Airborne and footfall sound insulation.DIN 68800 -1, -2, -3, and -5 Protection of timber in multi-storey buildings.DIN V EN V 61024-1 Lightning protection of buildings; basic principles. Replaces E DIN VDE 0185-100.

Requirements

Building physics requirements (ventilation)

In the case of thermal insulation, moisture insulation, sound insulation and fire protection, the interaction of the external wall with its external cladding must be taken into account. Ventilation is usually necessary to safely drain moisture from the building, to drain penetrating precipitation, to separate the cladding from the thermal insulation or wall surface by capillary action and to drain condensed steam on the inside of the cladding. The façade cladding should be placed at a distance of at least 20 mm from the thermal insulation or wall surface. This distance can be reduced to 5 mm in places, e.g. by the substructure or unevenness of the wall. To ensure the permanent and safe functioning of the façade cladding, ventilation openings of at least 50 cm2 should be planned for every 1 m of wall length.

Design requirements

The façade cladding must be installed in such a way as to eliminate stresses. The stresses resulting from deformation resulting from jamming must not cause any damage to the cladding or substructure at the joint or attachment point. Jamming-free installation of façade panels is achieved when all drilled holes in the panel have a larger hole drilled in comparison to the diameter of the shank of the fastening elements, and in the case of aluminium structures, if two fixed points are designated on each panel using fixed point sleeves. In the area of ​​expansion joints in the building, it must be possible to allow the same movements of the substructure as the cladding. This also applies to expansion joints in the substructure. In order to prevent jamming as a result of the coupling of individual panels by vertical load-bearing aluminium profiles, no joints may be made between the attachment points of one panel. The minimum distances from the edges when arranging the drilled holes in the panel must be observed, which are 20/80 mm in the case of installation on a wooden substructure and 30/80 mm in the case of aluminium substructures. It must be possible to maintain the façade panels. In the case of standing scaffolding, possibilities for anchoring them must be provided. The insulating materials must be permanently, completely and stably attached, also taking into account the possible load due to moisture resulting from adverse weather conditions. Wood and wood-based materials must be protected in accordance with DIN 68800-1, -2, -3, and -5. To avoid permanent moisture in vertical wooden structural battens, open joints located in the vicinity of the wooden battens must be covered from behind with tapes between the wooden structural battens and the fibre cement. As a result of taking deliberate measures and selecting appropriate building materials, any harmful mutual interactions, e.g. of different building materials on each other, must be excluded, even without their direct contact with each other, especially in the direction of water flow (possible leaks).Installation requirements: During installation, the assumed geometries resulting from the static calculations as well as from the implementation design must be observed.

Nature

SurfaceNatura panels are high-quality facade panels made of fibre cement, with a translucent surface structure, with a layer of pure acrylic applied to their face, coated hot (similar to glazing). In this way, the effect often desired by architects and investors is achieved, so that the character of the base panel affects its external appearance. This intended appearance is related to the fact that local changes in the external appearance of the base panel are also visible on the surface. If the material absorbs moisture from the edge, it will naturally appear darker. Creamy white Natura boards laid on an aluminium substructure can have a maximum usable size of 2500 × 1220 mm.Edge impregnationSince the formation of dark edges can locally disrupt the entire appearance of the façade, the edges of this material should be impregnated (using the Luko edge impregnation agent), in order to significantly reduce water absorption. Factory-cut Natura boards are impregnated with the Luko edge impregnation agent during production. Based on experience gained on many completed objects, it can be stated that impregnation of drilled holes is not necessary. In the case of non-covering coatings (e.g. Natura) at high air humidity, moisture absorption may be visible on the edges of the board and drilled holes in the form of darker colours. This phenomenon, which occurs depending on atmospheric conditions, with changes in seasons – disappears in dry weather. Characteristic features include unevenness, different shades of paint and traces created during the production process.

Statistical calculations

General information

In accordance with national building regulations, the investor or persons authorized by him must submit appropriate structural calculations.

Assumptions

When proving static load-bearing capacity, an additional distance of at least 20 mm should be assumed in relation to the planned gap between the external wall and the cladding in order to take into account dimensional deviations. This assumption may be waived if smaller deviations are found on site.

Deformation

Any deformation of the facade panels must not interfere with their function.

Design values, assumed loads, load cases

The design values ​​of the dead weight, permissible bending stress, modulus of elasticity and thermal expansion coefficient for fibre cement panels are specified in the relevant certificates. The permissible stresses of the fasteners are specified in the relevant certificates or in the test certificates. For all parts of the façade cladding, the assumption of the wind load for closed prismatic building bodies must be documented in accordance with DIN 1055-4. The panels must not accept any further loads, for example from advertising boards or window brackets. If a distinction is made between main loads and additional loads, the dead load and the wind load as the main load must be used to prove the static load-bearing capacity of the façade cladding. In the case of buildings with a ventilated façade, it is not necessary to assume increased wind suction loads in the edge areas in accordance with DIN 1055-4 if the façade cladding is air permeable in accordance with DIN 18516-1, for example by using open joints between the cladding elements.

Dimensioning

All parts of the façade cladding must be dimensioned according to the safety ranges or permissible stresses of the relevant standards or operating permits issued by the responsible building supervision authorities. The load-bearing capacities of fastenings and connections that are not specified in the standards or operating permits issued by the responsible building supervision authorities must be documented on the basis of tests carried out in accordance with DIN 18516-1. When calculating the cross-section sizes, DIN 18516-1 must be taken into account. Dowels, anchor channels and similar parts used to anchor the substructure in the external wall may only be used if their suitability has been documented in a special manner, for example in a general operating permit issued by the responsible building supervision authorities.

Fire protection, sound insulation and condensation protection

Fire protection

Ventilated facades are traditionally among the safest types of external walls. The fire protection requirements currently imposed on ventilated facades are specified in the relevant national building regulations. Fibre cement facade panels can be used as a cladding for ventilated facades of any building. Textura (Structura) and Natura panels are non-flammable building materials (class A2). In multi-storey buildings, where non-flammable fibre cement facade panels (building material class A2) are used, a substructure made of materials that are classified at least as non-flammable (building material class B2) or of a higher class should be used. In this way, there are usually no objections to the use of common timber substructures. As the experience of the German “Association of Property Insurers” and the fire departments of Berlin and Hamburg shows, the risk of further spread of fire through ventilated facades is assessed as low if the cladding and the insulating layer are made of non-flammable building materials. In the case of multi-storey buildings and buildings of a special type and for a special purpose, the use of non-flammable building materials is generally required.

Sound insulation

Hospitals, residential buildings and office buildings are subject to high requirements, as specified in DIN 4109 “Sound insulation in multi-storey buildings”, regarding the degree of insulation from airborne sounds penetrating through external partitions. Table 8 of DIN 4109 clearly states that, for example, in the case of hospitals located near main communication routes and exposed to a relevant external noise level of over 71 dB (A), a degree of sound insulation of the façade exceeding the required value R’w, res = 50 dB is necessary. In the case of sound insulation calculations documenting the degree of sound insulation of façades in relation to external noise, DIN 4109, Annex 1, only allows the sound insulation of the internal load-bearing wall to be taken into account. The façade cladding is not taken into account here. Based on the suitability tests (DIN 4109, point 6.3), the actual sound insulation of solid walls with suspended ventilated façades is determined. For example, in the case of a 200 mm thick porous concrete wall with R’w, R = 44 dB, using a suspended ventilated façade with 80 mm thick insulating material and an 8 mm thick fibre cement cladding, an improvement in airborne sound insulation of 9 to 11 dB can be achieved (see below). (The relevant test reports are available for inspection at Eternit AG). Based on the calculated degree of sound insulation (according to DIN 4109, Table 8), the required sound insulation of the windows must be determined, taking into account the size of the room and the share of their area. Typically, in this case, windows are sought that, for economic reasons, have a low degree of sound insulation. As a result of the higher degree of sound insulation of the suspended ventilated façade, a better degree of airborne sound insulation is achieved in the total result. Thanks to the use of the suspended ventilated façade, a more economical construction is achieved as a final effect.

Test results of acoustic insulation from airborne sounds in external fibre cement claddings with ventilation

Test report number L 99a.93 – P 300/92 of the German Association of Acoustic Engineers (Ingenieurgesellschaft für TechnischeAkustik mbH), Wiesbaden.

Thermal insulation and protection against weather conditions

Protection against water vapor condensation

Protection against condensation of water vapour is an important condition for the functioning of the thermal insulation of the external wall. Using a facade with rear ventilation can prevent condensation of water vapour on the inside of the external partition, which leads to the formation of harmful mould and fungi. A facade with rear ventilation allows the construction of the external partition in a way that is consistent with the principles of building physics, with a decreasing resistance to vapour diffusion of the individual layers of the partition. Moisture from the building and apartments is discharged through the rear ventilation gap, preventing internal moisture condensation. Improving the drying of external walls with facades with rear ventilation contributes to a healthy indoor climate and improves the energy balance, because otherwise the usually higher moisture content in the interior could only be discharged through increased window ventilation. The possibilities of documenting protection against water vapour condensation are specified in the DIN 4108-3 and DIN 4108-5 standards.

Thermal insulation

Building thermal insulation serves to protect buildings from extreme temperatures and moisture. It guarantees the health and well-being of building users, and also ensures the smooth running of production processes and climate protection of goods. Good thermal insulation increases the durability of buildings and also saves energy resources that are running out. Energy-saving thermal insulation is the introduction to the concept of an ecological and sustainable building economy. By dividing the individual functions in the layers of external walls with rear-ventilated facades, a structure is created that perfectly meets all the requirements placed on thermal insulation. Of all types of external walls, it has the lowest susceptibility to damage. The desired heat transfer coefficient (U value) can be achieved almost completely independently of the existing wall structure using a rear-ventilated facade. Mineral insulating material of almost any thickness can be installed at any time of the year and in any weather.Minimum thermal insulation according to German building regulations includes, in addition to the basic requirements specified in § 3, thermal insulation appropriate to the building’s use, necessary from a hygienic point of view, as specifically described in DIN 4108. Thermal insulation for saving energy is specified in the Energy Saving Regulation (EnEV) of 2002, and this regulation is amended on the basis of the Energy Saving Act of 1976. The main point of the new regulation is the interaction between the building and its heating technology, so that the heating energy demand can be reduced economically. However, only such energy-saving measures may be required which are feasible according to the current state of the art and which are economically justified for buildings of the same type and purpose. Requirements are considered economically justified if the costs required for their implementation can be recouped through savings during the assumed period of use. Thermal bridges which cannot be avoided and which must be taken into account in accordance with the applicable technical regulations must be reliably determined and then taken into account using proven calculation methods when determining the heat transfer. The guideline issued by the association of manufacturers of building materials and building components for rear-ventilated facades serves to objectively quantify the thermal impact of thermal bridges in the documentation of the building physics of buildings with rear-ventilated facades (VHF). In the case of energy-efficient and passive houses, which are to function without additional heating wherever possible, particularly high requirements are placed on the thermal insulation of the building envelope. The ventilated façade is here an exemplary example of an energetically ambitious overall concept aimed at relieving the environment.Insulation materialFor thermal insulation of rear-ventilated façades, hydrophobic mineral fibre insulating materials (according to DIN 18165-1) with a thermal conductivity group of 035 (0.035 W / [mK]) or 040 (0.040 W / [mK]), application type W-w (thermal insulating materials without compressive load) or W V-w (thermal insulating materials subject to tearing or tension) are used. Insulation materials with a thickness of 80 mm are usually used. Façade insulating boards must be fixed in accordance with the standard, tightly compact, bonded, without any empty spaces between the substrate and the insulating layer. They should be fastened mechanically, using an average of 5 fasteners per 1 m2 of insulating material, densely connecting them to the building parts in contact with them. The German companies “Deutsche RockwoolMineralwoll GmbH” (www.rockwool.com) and the company “Saint-Gobain Isover G+H” (www.isover.pl) also offer approved facade insulation boards that can be fastened using two fasteners of insulating material per board. This requires about three fasteners per 1 m2.

Thermal insulation plays a key role in protecting buildings from extreme weather conditions, maintaining the health and comfort of users, and saving energy resources. The modern approach to thermal insulation focuses on energy efficiency, building durability, and environmental care.

We provide comprehensive thermal insulation solutions tailored to individual needs and requirements. Our team of experienced designers can help you choose the right materials and technologies, ensuring energy efficiency and aesthetics.

Discover our innovative facade solutions, based on the latest thermal insulation standards. We supply high-quality materials, such as EQUITONE facade panels, which guarantee durability and aesthetics. Invest in facades that not only meet standards, but also emphasize the unique character of your project.

Contact us today to start transforming your building and reap the benefits of energy-efficient, aesthetic facade solutions.

Protection against atmospheric factors

The ventilated façade guarantees long-term protection of the building against precipitation. It is classified in the DIN4108-3 standard in group III, the highest load, strongly exposed to the impact of rain. According to this standard, the façade with rear ventilation has proven to be particularly resistant to rain impacts. Even in areas with a high annual level of atmospheric precipitation and in very windy areas, ventilated façade panels prevent water from penetrating the building without interfering with the release of moisture from the interior of the building. The consistent separation of the façade cladding from the supporting structure and the insulating material protects the building against the adverse effects of precipitation. It prevents the building from cooling down and losing heat in winter and from heating up in summer. A stable, cosy room climate is achieved inside the building. The building elements are protected against strong temperature effects, which has a very positive effect on their durability.

Treatment

Tips for processing fibre cement products on stationary cutting machines

Saw blades

Feed speed: from 20 m / min (diamond coated saw blade)Feed speed: from 3.0 – 3.5 m / min (carbide alloy coated saw blade)Cutting speed: 60 m / s (diamond coated saw blade)Cutting speed: 2.0 – 2.5 m / s (carbide alloy coated saw blade)In order to achieve sufficient saw blade life and optimum cutting quality, it is necessary to match the various conditions.Carbide alloy coated saw bladesThe best suited for processing fibre cement are saw blades coated with diamond dust or carbide alloy, with a cutting ability and application range from group K 10 (according to DIN 4990).Do not use for processing products made of fibre cement or carborundum grinding discs or diamond cutting discs. This applies to both dry and wet cutting.Justification: Both types of discs require high cutting speeds. The high cutting pressure that occurs can lead to undesirable material loading in the area of ​​the cutting edge. The extremely high level of nuisance due to the huge amount of dust and noise generated is also the reason why the use of these types of discs is prohibited.

Cutting quality

For a tear-free cut, the small difference between the entry angle (E) and exit angle (A) of the teeth on the workpiece and the rake angle of the tooth (τ) is decisive. For even material, a flat trapezoidal tooth with a rake angle of 5° is best. The gear pitch (t) should not be less than 10 mm. In order to avoid vibration breakage, the flange diameter (dF) should be 2/3 of the saw blade diameter (d). Concentricity = ± 0.1 mm.

Cutting speed

Feed speed

Finishing the edges after cutting

Luko – finishing the edges of Natura boards

• LUKO application trough, max capacity up to 0.5 l.
• Container containing LUKO edge impregnation agent with a capacity of 0.5 l (expiration date: 6 months from the date of filling).
• LUKO is a suspension that should be shaken well before use.
• Applicator with a special microfiber sponge (5 × 8 cm).

• Immerse the applicator in the container with the impregnation.
• LUKO edge impregnation agent should not be diluted or thinned.
• Squeeze out excess LUKO agent onto the gutter threshold to prevent drops from dripping off the sponge and to allow excess impregnation to flow back into the gutter.
• Work should be carried out at temperatures between 5° and 25°C.

• Impregnation should be carried out gradually, panel by panel, and under no circumstances at once, when all the panels are placed one on top of the other.
• The applicator must be moved along the edge of the board at a certain angle to avoid accumulation of impregnation on the visible side of the board surface.
• Excess impregnation on the surface must be removed immediately with a soft cloth, towards the edge of the board. Any contamination of the external surface must be removed immediately.
• Excess LUKO impregnation from the application package cannot be poured back into the container or reused at a later time.
• By completely securing the edges of NATURA façade panels, we prevent the absorption of moisture through the edges and the possibility of darkening the colour of the visible surface within the edge area.

• LUKO impregnation must completely cover the edges of the board. Proper impregnation occurs only on absolutely smooth edges.
• Thickened and hardened residues can be thrown into the household waste container. The sponge, after thorough cleaning, can be reused.

Treatment

Edge processing

It is recommended that after cutting, the edges of the board be evened out, which reduces the risk of damaging the board and improves the optical appearance. A large board, approximately 400 × 100 mm, with 80-grit sandpaper glued to it, can be used to sand the edges. In the case of Natura boards, after cutting the edges on site, they should be impregnated. Factory-cut Natura boards should be impregnated with Luko edge impregnation agent at the factory. In the case of non-covering coatings (e.g. Natura), during humid weather, moisture absorption may be observed at the edges of the board and near the drilled holes, manifesting itself in the form of a darker color. Depending on the weather conditions in the annual cycle, this phenomenon disappears during dry weather.

Tips for processing fibre cement products on site

Fibre cement products can be delivered pre-assembled, meaning they are ready to lay straight away, with only a few cuts to fit the panels being required on site. The German Fibre Cement Industry Association therefore supports and encourages the development of new fibre cement processing machines that operate in a dust-free manner.

Tools used on construction sites

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

tools for ventilated facades installation of ventilated facade concrete boards wood-like facades

[Pokaz zdjęć]

Wooden substructures

General information

External wall cladding on wooden substructures usually consists of the following elements: – cladding – wooden battens – metal counter battens or spacers – fastening and connecting elements – anchoring elements – insulating material, supports for insulating material To anchor the substructure in the load-bearing wall, dowels approved for use by the building inspectorate (screw-dowel connections) must be used. The regulations specified in the relevant permit approving the above-mentioned parts for use must be observed. Timber battens of class C24 (formally S 10) according to DIN 4074-1 are used as the substructure for fastening the panels.

Wood protection

Wooden substructures must be protected with a wood preservative in accordance with DIN 68800-2. Load-bearing battens and counter battens of hazard class (GK) 0 do not have to be additionally impregnated for preventive purposes either against fungal attack or against insect attack, provided that the conditions specified in DIN 68800-2 are observed. Not using preventive chemical wood protection constitutes a significant contribution to environmental protection. Hazard class (GK) 0, in the case of battens and counter battens, exists when: – the moisture content at the time of installation is 1 < 20% or if it is ensured that such a wood moisture content will be reached within six months by drying, – if appropriate measures have been taken to permanently reduce the wood moisture content in the usable state to 20%. Such measures include protection against moisture during use (such as splash water), protection against moisture from building elements adjacent to the structure (drainage layers) and protection against condensation (list according to DIN 4108-3). If the above framework conditions cannot be met, then the substructure must be protected according to DIN 68800-3 “Chemical protection of wood”.

Constructions

Connecting the substructure

Minimum dimensions of battens and arrangement of the associated screws or nails.Arrangement Diagonal, 2 connecting elements for each batten intersection. Supporting battens are usually arranged vertically. Batten widths refer only to the shown spacing between connecting elements. The type of plugs and their arrangement (anchoring in the external wall), as well as the arrangement of the supporting batten behind the board joint may require the use of correspondingly wider battens.

Connecting elements

To connect the supporting battens and counter battens, connecting elements according to DIN 1052-2 should be used, e.g. special nails (with a profiled shank). Nails with a smooth shank are not permitted for this type of use. In the case of using special screws and clamps, a general permit for their use issued by the relevant building supervision is necessary.

Fixing on wooden substructures

The boards should be installed without tension. The stresses resulting from deformations must not cause any damage, especially in the places where the board connects to the substructure. The boards can be installed without tension on the wooden substructure when all the drilled holes for each board are 2 mm larger than the diameter of the shank of the fasteners.

Colored facade screws

Eternit facade screws approved for use by the building supervision authority and subject to a guarantee   5.5 × 35 mm for 8 mm facade panels,– 5.5 × 45 mm for 12 mm facade panels and for visible overlapping fastening of 8 mm panels, stainless steel, material number 1.4567, according to DIN 1654-5 with inner polygonal edge T 20. The minimum screw-in depth of the screws is 25 mm in each case. The battens must be selected so that the distance between the screws and the edges of the battens is not less than 15 mm. The drilled hole must be 2 mm larger in relation to the shank diameter. In the case of Eternit facade screws, the panels must be pre-drilled using the special Eternit drill for fibre cement, with a cross-section of ø 6 mm.

Minimum distances from the edges of fasteners on wooden substructures

The edge spacing of 80 mm, looking towards the wooden supporting battens, and 20 mm, looking diagonally to the supporting battens, must not be smaller than the above dimensions. Edge spacing greater than 160 mm should not be used. To avoid damage to the wooden substructure due to moisture, joint sealing tapes of an appropriate width should be installed between the boards and the supporting battens. Such measures can prevent the battens from becoming permanently damp. The EPDM tape or black coated aluminium foil tape must protrude at least 5 mm above the edge of the batten it is to protect.

Shaping joints

Based on many years of experience, the optimum width of joints between large-format fibre cement facade panels can be determined to be 10 mm. Choosing joints with a width of 10 mm allows for achieving both an aesthetically correct appearance of the facade joints, as well as its correct technical function and good workmanship. It is not allowed to make joints smaller than 8 mm wide. Open joints wider than 12 mm should not be made. Open execution of horizontal joints significantly reduces the susceptibility of the facade surface to dirt. As a result of the additional aeration cross-sections created in this way, the safety of operation from the rear of the ventilated facade is increased. The results of extensive tests carried out by renowned research institutes and practice itself show that the function of the facade (protection against rain) with open joints (8 – 10 mm) is fully fulfilled.

Transport and storage

Fibre cement facade panels with a paint coating must be stored and transported flat, with the panels laid flat on a flat and dry surface. The used separation paper between the panels must be replaced with new paper each time the panels are stacked and moved from one stack to another (front side on the back side) in order to protect the very valuable panel coating. The panels must be covered with construction foil or similar material until they are installed to protect them from moisture and dirt. The panels must be removed from the stack by lifting them upwards. The panels should always be carried in a vertical position (edge ​​up). The number of panels in one stack specified in the delivery offer section must not be exceeded.